THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – A re-elected Liberal government will create 400 jobs by four-laning two new sections of Highway 11/17 from Highway 587 to Pearl Creek and from Black Sturgeon River Bridge to Red Rock Road No. 9.
“The Liberal party is the only one that has a plan for Northern Ontario. It is disappointing that Andrea Horwath and Tim Hudak would vote down a budget that invests in a major northern infrastructure project that includes the continuing of four-laning of our highways. This project represents much needed construction jobs and safer driving conditions for our community,” said Bill Mauro, Liberal candidate, Thunder Bay-Atikokan
Glen Murray, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure, was in Thunder Bay Thursday at the Terry Fox Memorial Lookout with Michael Gravelle, Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North, and Bill Mauro, Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, to make the announcement.
Work on the project will begin in 2015/16 and when completed, the expanded highway will help ensure safer, more efficient drives for families and businesses. This is part of the Liberal government’s plan to four-lane highways border to border to border.
“There is no party more committed to investing in infrastructure and moving Ontario forward than the Ontario Liberals. Under the leadership of Premier Wynne, we have seen unprecedented investments in highways, roads and bridges across Northern Ontario, including the four-laning of 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. This year’s budget included two additional expansion projects for this stretch of highway. What’s enormously disappointing, if not shameful, is that Andrea Horwath and the NDP voted against it,” said Michael Gravelle, Liberal candidate, Thunder Bay-Superior North.
“I am proud of the investments the Liberal government has made in northern infrastructure since 2003, through supporting projects like four-laning Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. This project will create good jobs and will provide a better driving conditions for families and businesses,” stated Glen Murray, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Infrastructure.
QUICK FACTS
The estimated cost of the project is $25 to 50 million.
The Liberal government has already invested over $500 million in expanding Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. Work includes:
Four-laning from Hodder Ave. to Highway 527, which opened in fall 2012 and from Mackenzie Station Rd. to Birch Beach Rd., which opened in summer 2013.
Four-laning from Highway 527 to Mackenzie Station Rd, which will be completed in 2015.
Four-laning from Red Rock Rd. No. 9 to Stillwater Creek Bridge.
Nipigon River Bridge and approaches from First Street to Highway 11/Highway 17 intersection.
Four-laning from Birch Beach Rd. to Highway 587 at Pass Lake, with construction expected to start later this year.
Since 2003, the Liberal government has invested $5 billion in northern highways, roads and bridges, including Highway 11/17.
